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Pizza Ranch, the Midwest buffet concept featuring a family-friendly atmosphere, announced it has signed an area development agreement with Mike and Angie Christianson to open eight new Pizza Ranch locations in Montana. The Christiansons, who are Pizza Ranch franchisees in North Dakota, anticipate opening the first Montana restaurant in 2011.

The signing reflects the largest agreement in company history, furthering Pizza Ranch’s growth momentum. With nearly 160 locations in the Midwest and Great Plains states, the company is expanding its footprint at a new store growth rate of 10 percent annually.

“We are thrilled to bring the Pizza Ranch brand to Montana,” says Mike Christianson. “Guests will enjoy our family dining experience, not to mention the limitless, freshly-prepared food offerings.”

Christianson most recently worked as a district manager for Radio Shack and often took lunch breaks at the local Pizza Ranch. After noticing the popularity and growth potential of the restaurant concept in North Dakota, the Christiansons decided to open a Pizza Ranch of their own. They now own multiple locations in North Dakota and look forward to bringing the concept to Montana.

“We realize Pizza Ranch is on the cusp of unprecedented growth and we want to be a part of growing the brand,” Christianson says. “We’re very excited about the opportunities in Montana, and look forward to becoming involved and giving back to each of the communities we serve.”

With recipes dating back to the company’s origins, Pizza Ranch’s menu items remain focused on traditional favorites along with new limited-time pizza and salad offerings such as the Crantastic Salad and the Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza.

“We are very excited to sign this agreement with such valued members of the Pizza Ranch family,” says Marilyn Mayberry, director of franchise development for Pizza Ranch. “We know the people of Montana will love Pizza Ranch and Mike and Angie will do an excellent job of growing the brand in Big Sky Country.”